Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.

Rejoicing in ordinary things is not sentimental or trite. It actually takes guts.

Even death is not to be feared by one who has lived wisely.

Instead of having a deep understanding of the teaching, we need a strong confidence in our teaching, which says that originally we have Buddha nature.

We can learn the art of fierce compassion - redefining strength, deconstructing isolation and renewing a sense of community, practicing letting go of rigid us-vs.-them thinking.

Since all things are empty of inherent existence, anything is possible. If things had inherent existence, nothing would be possible.

What is evil? Killing is evil, lying is evil, slandering is evil, abuse is evil, gossip is evil, envy is evil, hatred is evil, to cling to false doctrine is evil; all these things are evil. And what is the root of evil? Desire is the root of evil, illusion is the root of evil.

The mind is the source of all happiness and the source of all suffering.

The Four Noble Truths are not mere doctrinal propositions but a framework for understanding and transforming our lives.

Technical knowledge is not enough. One must transcend techniques so that the art becomes an artless art, growing out of the unconscious.

The time of the past becomes the present, the time of the present becomes the future, the time of the future becomes the present, and the time of the present becomes the past.

Sensations are not your enemy. They are your teacher. Through observing them, you understand the truth of existence.

Sticking with uncertainty, getting the knack of relaxing in the midst of chaos, learning not to panic—this is the spiritual path.

To carry yourself forward and experience myriad things is delusion. That myriad things come forth and experience themselves is awakening.

Your work is to discover your work and then with all your heart to give yourself to it.

The more you are motivated by love, the more fearless and free your actions will be.

The essence of the teaching is emptiness and compassion. Without emptiness, compassion can become attachment. Without compassion, emptiness can become cold and distant.

There is no path to happiness: happiness is the path.

Don't be a bodhisatta; don't be an arahant; don't be anything at all. Being something makes you suffer.

The practice of mindfulness is simply to bring awareness to what we are doing, what we are saying, and what we are thinking.

Do not think you will necessarily be aware of your own enlightenment.

Life and death are of supreme importance. Time swiftly passes by and opportunity is lost. Each of us should strive to awaken. Awaken! Take heed, do not squander your life.

There is no need to have a deep understanding of Zen. Even though you read much Zen literature, you must read each sentence with a fresh mind.

If a problem is fixable, if a situation is such that you can do something about it, then there is no need to worry. If it's not fixable, then there is no help in worrying. There is no benefit in worrying whatsoever.

The moment you note a thought, it disappears. The noting mind keeps the hindrances away.

May all beings be happy, be peaceful, be liberated.

When you practice zazen you should not try to attain anything. You should just sit in the complete calmness of your mind and not rely on anything.

Both formerly and now, it is only suffering that I describe, and the cessation of suffering.

Look at situations from all angles, and you will become more open.

The meaning of life is just to be alive. It is so plain and so obvious and so simple. And yet, everybody rushes around in a great panic as if it were necessary to achieve something beyond themselves.

Your purpose in life is to find your purpose and give your whole heart and soul to it.

Who would then deny that when I am sipping tea in my tearoom I am swallowing the whole universe with it and that this very moment of my lifting the bowl to my lips is eternity itself transcending time and space?

Without accepting the fact that everything changes, we cannot find perfect composure.